Hydrometerological Evaluation of Kayauki Area for Granite Mining, Batagarawa, Katsina, North-west Nigeria

Abstract

Aim of Study: The assessment was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of Granite mining in the area of Batagarawa. This evaluation covered a coordinate of 13°0'28.8" N, 7°43’13.2” E and 13°0'28" and 7°43'6.7" of the area.  Aside the geological assessment reflecting its feasibility, the study also aimed to study the positive and negative effects the mining activity is likely to have on the well-being of inhabitants.

Materials and Methodology: GPS, sampling bottles, Salinometer, Nessler’s reagent, Colorimetry with molybdenum blue solution, GC-MS, Gravimeter, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer were used for the study. Methodology adopted involved site identification, characterization of the existing environment and development of an environmental management plan. Sampling was designed to capture all the environmental components peculiar to the study area. The spatial boundaries for the field study and sampling was a 600m radius.

Findings: The total hardness of the water samples was 39.4, 21.9 and 296 mg/l. Temperature values recorded ranged from 27.9°C-28.5°C. The electrical conductivity was 263μS/cm,160μS/cm, and 799μS/cm respectively.  TDS in the water samples of EBQSW1, EBQSW2, and EBQGW were 174, 98, and 566 ppm, respectively. Mean annual sunshine of 3,048 hours, representing 31% of the maximum possible amount of sunnlight. Maximum daily temperature of about 400°C and minimum daily temperature of 220°C. The average annual rainfall ranged from 100mm to 300mm in the study area. The average monthly Ultra-Violet index for the study area ranged from 6 to 8.

Conclusions: Study concluded that the granite mining is feasible under the prevailing weather condition of the area with more economic benefits that far outweighs the adverse effects.